To mark the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), New York Mayor Bill de Blasio has declared July “Disability Pride Month”. U.S. Senator Tom Harkin, author of the ADA, will be grand marshal at this year’s parade on July 12. Other activities for the month include the City University of New York (CUNY) hosting an educational lecture series and the Brooklyn Historical Society will have an exhibit on the disability rights movement. The monthlong tribute will happen annually on New York’s calendar.

“I am grateful to Mayor de Blasio for making New Yorkers with disabilities a priority, and taking unprecedented strides toward supporting and celebrating the community,” said Victor Calise, commissioner of the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities.